April 30, 2007

Criminal Ear Damage

What’s the most insipid invention of the 21st Century so far? This is:

No, it’s not a set of aeroplane landing lights, it’s a portable speaker system for MP3 players. AND THEY’RE DRIVING ME NUTS.

I’ve been doing a lot of travelling by train recently, and several times some spotty teenager has been playing some rubbish music through these tinny monstrosities, VERY LOUDLY.

As a product, they’re not necessarily offensive. Except I don’t think they’re being used in people’s bedrooms as much as they are being used on various forms of public transport where – neglecting the invention of the headphone – they’re broadcasting their appalling choice of music to a wide audience in a confined space.

On my next train journey I shall be armed with a large hammer with which to smash the next one of these I hear. Consider this a fair warning.